About UMass Amherst

Job Summary

The Lab Technician I supports MassNanoTech Institute/Institute for Hierarchical Manufacturing through an externally funded research project focused on developing conductive fabrics integrated with lithium-ion batteries. The technician will be trained to perform standard electrochemical procedures, including electrolytic, electroless, and electrophoretic deposition. Additionally, the role involves the fabrication and characterization of lithium-ion pouch cell batteries.

Essential Functions

• Performs standard electrochemical procedures, including electrolytic, electroless, and electrophoretic deposition of metals on relevant substrates.
• Operates a small-scale research and development lithium-ion battery pouch cell pilot line and use it to fabricate lithium-ion battery electrodes as well as to assemble lithium-ion battery pouch cells, using established protocols.
• Supports the materials characterization of lithium-ion battery components.
• Supports the electrochemical characterization of the performance of lithium-ion batteries in both half-cell and full pouch cell configurations.
• Maintains and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Maintains the concentration of electrolytes in the plating tanks to ensure consistent performance.
• Adheres to all safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment.
• Documents experimental procedures, results, and findings in a clear and organized manner.
• Collaborates with research team members to achieve project goals and milestones.
• Monitors the stability of plating bath electrolytes.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.   
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities. 
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences. 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in laboratory work in a recognized research laboratory, including but not limited to fields such as electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related areas.
• An associate’s degree or higher with a major in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, electrical or mechanical engineering or similar field may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a laboratory environment with chemicals, materials, instruments, and equipment that are operated with significant amount of DC and AC current and voltage.
• Regularly lifts and maneuvers plating racks weighing 50lbs. or more.
• Must adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• May involve occasional wearing of self-contained breathing apparatus to protect against exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and caustic or toxic chemicals.

Additional Details

• Project duration is anticipated to last a minimum of eighteen months with the possibility of extensions.
• Given the nature and responsibilities of the position, only U.S. Persons (any individual who is a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident alien of the United States, or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) will be considered for this position.

Work Schedule

37.5 hours/week, M-F.

Salary Information

USA/MTA, Non-Exempt, Grade 15.

Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. 

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals at: Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.